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ISU’s Master of Science (MSc): Space Studies
Call for applications: Academic Year 24/25
Prepare for a Career in the Fast-paced Space Sector
The Master’s program in Space Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving space sector. The program covers all space domains and a wide range of topics.
Graduates of the program will have a deep understanding of space engineering, space applications, space exploration, and the physical and life sciences of the space environment. They will also be familiar with space policies and regulations and will have the ability to critically evaluate knowledge across a variety of disciplines. The program also emphasizes entrepreneurial aspects, preparing students to establish and fund space startups and master project management techniques.
If you are interested in a career in the space sector, the Master’s program in Space Studies is the perfect program for you.
Rolling Application Deadlines:
31 October 2023
31 January 2024
30 April 2024
www.isunet.edu/apply
Discover ISU’s Master’s degree program designed to reflect the many recent changes in space operations, business, and science. The main goal of the ISU Master’s degree program in Space Studies is the preparation of interdisciplinary space professionals, ready to meet the needs of the rapidly developing space sector. With the arrival of NewSpace, new business models and partnerships between academia, research organizations, and industry are emerging. The space sector is increasingly integrated with other economic sectors, and international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships are key for innovation.
ISU offers a Master of Science MSc in Space Studies, accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Study Programs in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN e.V.) and aligned to Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework for Life-long Learning (EQF LLL). The program provides graduates with critical knowledge at the interface of all space disciplines so that they can analyze a complex problem in all its dimensions. Given the increasing impact of the NewSpace sector, special emphasis is given to entrepreneurial aspects in the space sector, covering the creation and financing of space start-ups as well as a solid knowledge of space project management techniques.
Throughout the program, group assignments, teamwork, and a comprehensive Team Project educate the students by example, on how to operate in complex and diverse professional teams. Alumni are able to integrate knowledge from different fields to address the wide-ranging projects and challenges of the space sector, and work both independently and in a team, within an international and/or interdisciplinary environment.
The MSc Space Studies:
Accredited by ASIIN
(Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics)
The first two semesters are delivered at the ISU Central Campus in Strasbourg (France) between September 2024 and June 2025 and are followed by a Master’s thesis project. Each semester counts for a total of 30 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) with a total of 90 ECTS for the entire program.
Semester 1: Students learn the language and terminology of each space discipline and learn to work and communicate in interdisciplinary teams in a unique 3Is approach (interdisciplinary, international, intercultural). Furthermore, students broaden and deepen their understanding of the interdisciplinary aspects of Space Studies.
In Module 1, students select out of a portfolio of Electives on Fundamentals (Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Policy and Management). The selection will be based on the student’s individual undergraduate (or prior) knowledge. The objective is for students to learn the fundamentals of core competencies of those disciplines they are less familiar with, and to understand the in-depth content of courses of the following modules.
In Module 2 students will broaden and deepen their understanding of Interdisciplinary Space Studies and how scientific, engineering, political, legal, and commercial activities interact within the space sector and with related Earth activities. The academic content is focused on the knowledge required for further in-depth content delivered on the specific subject areas of the track system in the second semester. Graduates will obtain a robust understanding of space engineering and space applications, as well as a good knowledge of space exploration and the physical and life sciences in space environments. In addition, all graduates obtain an understanding of global space policy and regulations. Students will also acquire research and professional skills and are trained in scientific paper writing in preparation for the Team Project or Master’s thesis.
Semester 2: During the admission process, students choose a specialized track to acquire in-depth knowledge on one core subject area of Space Studies. Interdisciplinary workshops across all tracks allow students to obtain a high-level academic interdisciplinary knowledge, work together as a team and integrate cross-disciplinary aspects.
Module 3 provides multiple specialized tracks to allow the students to acquire in-depth knowledge on one core subject area of Space Studies and consists of Lectures, Workshops, Independent Studies, Advanced Studies, Project-based Learning, Laboratory Work, Field Trips, Group Assignments, and Professional Visits.
Track 1: Space Engineering and Applications
This track provides content in space systems engineering and space applications including the recent advancements in Earth observations, telecommunication, and navigation systems. Students will learn to identify, formulate, and solve advanced problems in aerospace engineering and the applications of satellite technologies. They will apply knowledge and understanding of space systems, innovative technologies, and project management principles in multidisciplinary environments.
Track 2: Space Science and Exploration
This track provides content in astronomy and planetary science as well as robotic and crewed space exploration missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and deep space. Students will study the evolution of the Universe and the origin and evolution of our Solar System as well as the characteristics of exoplanets. They will learn the technologies and methodologies that make those observations possible. Students will also learn about current and future robotic and human exploration missions and challenges for the health of humans living and working in space.
Track 3: Space Policy and Entrepreneurship
This track provides content in space policy and law, space business, and entrepreneurship. Students will learn about the main policy drivers of world space actors, the various dimension of the space economy, the international space legal frameworks, and management techniques applied to the space sector. Furthermore, students will learn to develop successful business plans and will attend specific workshops and activities in relevant domains to this track.
The Team Project (TP) is organized in Module 4 spanning the first two semesters. Students engage in a Literature Review on the topic of the TP in preparation for in-depth, original research. The TP module is intended to develop the ability of students to work on a significant space-related problem in a 3I (interdisciplinary, international, intercultural) team environment, integrating the learning from the core modules with relevant individual and team study. Students make recommendations to the space actors, presented in several oral and written deliverables.
Semester 3: Students complete Module 5, a compulsory Master’s thesis as an independent research topic or a project on a specific topic area of their selected track. The content of the Master’s thesis is expected to present research findings at a graduate level, demonstrating originality and creativity. Students choose, develop, and conduct their individual research project, either at ISU with an ISU Resident Faculty advisor or with one of ISU’s collaborating universities or organizations partners.
The first two semesters are delivered at the ISU Central Campus in Strasbourg (France) between September 2024 and June 2025, followed by a 3-6 months internship. Each semester counts as a total of 30 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), and the Internship as 15 ECTS, with a total of 75 ECTS for the entire program.
The Internship allows students without previous work experience to establish a first real-world contact, working in a space-related organization. Equally, students with prior experience can undertake an internship in another field, to gain a broader view of the space sector and valuable experience. The internship enhances networking links essential for further professional development. The 3-6 months internship is usually carried out in a space organization, space industry or start-up, or another appropriate host institution. Supported and advised by ISU’s Resident Faculty, students identify internship opportunities related to their particular interests and career goals.
A significant part of the ISU academic programs are delivered by Resident Faculty who provide teaching and advisory support to all ISU programs and activities.
A number of the ISU Faculty not resident at ISU are involved in supporting the Master’s degree program: Space Studies as Visiting Lecturers or as mentors for students during their internships.
Before the start of the Master’s degree program: Space Studies program, students are given the opportunity to attend a week of intensive French classes to help with daily life in Strasbourg.
We highly recommend taking advantage of these classes in order to obtain a good basic level of French early on, before the program work intensifies.
These French classes are continued during M1-ITS at two levels: Beginner and Intermediate.
A significant part of the ISU academic programs are delivered by Resident Faculty who provide teaching and advisory support to all ISU programs and activities.
A number of the ISU Faculty not resident at ISU are involved in supporting the Master’s degree program: Space Studies as Visiting Lecturers or as mentors for students during their internships.
Discover ISU’s Master’s degree program for the Academic year 2024/2025: Space Studies, designed to reflect the many recent changes in space operations, business and science.
Applications for ISU’s Master’s degree programs are processed through a rolling deadline system. Only full applications are considered, and candidates who miss a deadline will be evaluated after the following deadline.
Early applications are recommended, and partial scholarships for candidates in need of financial aid will be granted on a first come first served basis until they run out.
Application deadlines: 31 October 2023, 31 January 2024, 30 April 2024.
The 2024-2026 fees are EUR 32,000, covering all tuition (living expenses are not included) for the MSc Space Studies (3 semesters, accredited)
The 2024-2025 fees are EUR 27,000, covering all tuition (living expenses are not included) for the Master of Space Studies (2 semesters, internship)
If you are in need of financial support, please check the Admissions – Funding and Scholarships page.
“ISU has changed both my professional and personal life. The MSS was not only a trampoline to achieving many of my dreams but also a tool to create new ones: It has given me friends, a job, a network I can rely on, knowledge, skills, and a whole new dimension of ideas on what I can achieve.”
Once candidates are admitted to the Master’s programme, they are put in contact with the Student Affairs Office to prepare their arrival in Strasbourg.
Here are the main questions candidates ask: